Placing empty bottles and old newspapers into the recycling bin is an automatic reflex for many people. But somewhat of an air of mystery still remains around the act of composting. Frequently asked questions include: Will saving food scraps make my house or yard smell? (No, as long as you manage it properly.) What exactly can be composted? (Nearly anything that grows.)

While composting is not quite as easy as tossing a soda can into a recycling bin, it’s not hard to learn — and the benefits to the environment are numerous. CalRecycle’s website provides a good introduction to home composting.

Composting Tips

• Don’t put bioplastics or compostable plastics in your backyard pile. They will not fully break down in your home compost. They don’t belong in the recycling, either. Put them in your garbage bin.
• Composting food scraps: great. Preventing food waste in the first place: even better.
• A hub for all things compost-related, HowToCompost.org even includes information about composting toilets.
• A Way To Garden has answers to the Top 12 composting FAQs.
• Need more information about foodwaste? Check out ReFED

More Composting Resources